Mourn

Death and burial issues for interfaith families and Jews by choice.

When someone can be officially determined dead depends on one's interpretation of a key passage in the Talmud.

How should one cope with the death of a friend, or the death of an ex-spouse?

The worst things to say to someone who is grieving.

Mourners, friends, and relatives accompany the deceased to the grave and help with the burial.

The rabbis mandated a simple wooden coffin to equalize people in death and to enable the return to dust.

A Jewish ritual cleansing of the deceased fulfills the verse from Ecclesiastes 5:14, "As we come forth, so we shall return."

Rites for mothers and fathers are more demanding than those for other relatives, even siblings, spouses and children.

Ethical wills and more resources for the final days and hours.

Many of the moments we once took for granted can be appreciated as miracles if we only stop to notice.

The prayer shawl I chose and loved followed me everywhere -- and then I buried my father in it.